 In patchwork and quilting, English measurements are frequently used. The blocks and parts of blocks are often given in inches. For convenience, it is often assumed that 1 inch is 2.5 cm. However, this is not entirely accurate, as you can see in the photo. For clarity, the top ruler is in centimeters, the bottom one in inches.If you use a centimeter ruler to cut your blocks and take 2.5 cm for an inch, you will undoubtedly encounter problems when assembling your blocks and quilt. It is therefore better to use a ruler with inches. If you prefer to work with centimeters, you can choose a pattern in centimeters. |
 There are also measuring tapes with centimeters printed on one side and inches on the other. Very handy. |
 The English measurement system is not based on tens like the Dutch. We know that a centimeter has 10 millimeters and that 10 centimeters is a decimeter. The English measurements work differently.1 inch = 2.54 cm 12 inches = 1 foot = 30.48 cm 3 feet = 1 yard = 91.44 cm Where we use millimeters as part of a centimeter, the English system uses 1/8, 1/4, or 1/2 inches. Sometimes you also see 1/16 inch. 1/16 inch is about 1.6 mm. An inch is often abbreviated as 1". |
 In addition to inches and yards, there are also specific terms for amounts of fabric. The most commonly used is a fat quarter.A regular quarter is officially a quarter of a yard, so about 22.5 cm of fabric across the entire fabric width. In the Netherlands, we prefer to calculate a quarter of a meter, so 25 cm of fabric across the entire fabric width. Because 25 cm is sometimes less advantageous when cutting, the fat quarter was invented. The fat quarter is the same amount of fabric as a regular quarter, just divided differently. The fat quarter is twice as wide but only half the fabric length, so about 50 by 55 cm. You mostly see these fat quarters. |
 Besides the fat quarter, you can also buy Jelly Rolls. A Jelly Roll is a collection of matching fabric strips. Usually, there are around 40 strips in one package. These strips are cut across the entire fabric width and are 2.5 inches wide. When you sew them together, they eventually become strips of 2 inches, which is about 5 cm. |
 You also frequently encounter packages with 10-20 or sometimes even 40 square pieces of fabric. The pieces are often either 5 by 5 inches or 10 by 10 inches, although other sizes also occur. These packages, where the pieces are coordinated in color and print, are called layer cakes or charm packs. When ordering online, pay attention to the sizes and the number of pieces in the package, so you don’t end up surprised. |
 Occasionally, you may come across other sizes, such as a fat eighth. The name says it all; it is half of a fat quarter. The sizes are about 50 by 27.5 cm or, if cut the other way, 25 by 55 cm. Usually, these pieces are too small to make a reasonable quilt but are great for adding contrast somewhere. They are also great for applique. |
 Of course, you can also simply buy fabric by the meter. In any case, if you occasionally take a piece of fabric with you, you will quickly have a whole collection. |